Five seek council seat

Five villagers have expressed interest in replacing Village Council President Judith Hempfling when she leaves Council in the next few months, according to Karen Wintrow at Council’s Feb. 4 meeting. Hempfling has stated that, due to family responsibilities, she will leave her seat after the completion of the current zoning code revision, which is expected to be finished during March or April. Hempfling’s replacement will serve until the November 2013 ­election.

Letters of interest have been received from Kent Bristol, Connie Crockett, Brian Housh, Marianne MacQueen and Dan Reyes.

Council members on Monday night agreed to a timeline for the process to replace Hempfling. Beginning this week, interviews with the candidates will be scheduled during Council executive sessions, and the interviews will be conducted this month. Council also solicits community input during this time.

The appointed candidate, who according to the Village Charter is chosen by the remaining Council members by an affirmative vote of at least three, will be announced at the March 4 meeting.

Council members agreed that it’s important to make the appointment as soon as possible in order to bring that person up to speed on current Council business. However, the appointee will not be sworn in until the meeting after Hempfling retires.